FIREPEX

®

RESIDENTIAL FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

Design and Installation Guide

CONTENTS

For updates to this publication and the most current technical instructions, safety information and manufacturer’s recommendations, visit www.na.rehau.com/resourcecenter

1. Scope 3

2. Design & Applications 4

2.1 Applications 4

2.2 Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems 4

4. RAUPEX PEXa Pipe 8

4.1 Pipe Properties 8

4.2 Pipe Dimensions and Weights 8

4.3 Pipe Markings 8

4.4 Pressure and Temperature Ratings 9

4.5 Excessive Temperature and Pressure Capability 9

4.6 Corrosion Resistance 9

4.7 Chlorine Resistance 9

4.8 Ultraviolet Resistance 9

4.9 Bend Radius 10

5.3 Installation Considerations 14

5.4 EVERLOC+ Compression-sleeve Tools 17

5.5 Fire Sprinklers 19

6. System Planning 21

6.1 Determine Local Jurisdiction Requirements 21

6.2 Obtain Residence Information 21

6.3 Identify Water Supply Source, Flow, Pressure 21

6.4 Determine Layout of Water Supply 22

6.7 Perform Hydraulic Calculations 23

7.2 Mounting FIREPEX Sprinkler Fittings 24

7.3 RAUPEX Pipe Packaging 28

7.4 EVERLOC+ Fittings Packaging 28

7.5 Uncoiling Pipe 28

7.6 Bending Pipe 28

7.7 Distance Between Fittings 29

7.8 Pipe Protection 29

7.9 Supporting RAUPEX Pipe 30

7.10 Supporting EVERLOC+ Fittings 30

7.11 Copper Soldering 30

7.12 Kink Repair 31

7.16 Maintaining the System 33

2

This technical information applies to the REHAU FIREPEX

®

enced and appropriately licensed fire sprinkler system designers or

installers, who have an understanding of the principles and practices

for system design and installation.

The information presented in this guide is intended to demonstrate the

proper design, assembly method and installation recommendations for

the FIREPEX system but is not specific to your project conditions. It is

the responsibility of the licensed professional to check the prevailing

local codes and to verify that technical information presented in this

guide is appropriate for a particular installation.

Nothing in this guide supersedes national or local code requirements

area and consult with the building authority having jurisdiction before

installing the FIREPEX system.

Before starting the design process, read the REHAU PEXa Limited

obtained from your authorized REHAU distributor or by writing to

REHAU Construction LLC, 1501 Edwards Ferry Road NE, Leesburg VA

Proper installation is the responsibility of the installing contractor.

Review the REHAU Technical Guidelines prior to installation of the

FIREPEX system. REHAU Technical Guidelines are defined in the

(www.na.rehau.com/resourcecenter).

Contact the REHAU distributor in your area if you do not understand

the information in this manual or if you have questions about the

REHAU Technical Guidelines.

This guide contains safety-related information that requires your

Only trained personnel should be engaged in the installation process.

Follow the instructions in this guide and other REHAU Technical

Guidelines and use common sense to reduce the risk of injury or

property damage.

Read the instruction manual for the EVERLOC+

compression-sleeve tools before use and follow all

safety precautions — improper use can cause

serious personal injury.

keep fingers, hands and all parts of your body away

from the expander head, hydraulic slide and

compression jaws during operation. Remove the

battery before attempting to change or adjust the

expander head or compression jaws.

DEWALT

and the DEWALT logo are trademarks of Stanley Black &

Decker, Inc., or an aliate thereof and are used under license.

is a trademark of Makita Corporation, or an aliate thereof.

1. SCOPE

3

2.1 Applications

The purpose of NFPA 13D and IRC P2904 is to provide a sprinkler

system that aids in the detection and control of residential fires, thus

oering improved protection against injury and loss of life. A sprinkler

is expected to prevent flashover (total involvement of the fire) in the

room of fire origin, where sprinklered, and to improve the chance for

occupants to escape or be evacuated.

RAUPEX white UV shield pipe and EVERLOC+ fittings are approved

for use in residential fire sprinkler systems as defined by NFPA 13D

or two-family homes, town homes, modular homes and manufactured

2.2 Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems

The NFPA 13D standard categorizes all fire sprinkler systems within

two general types: wet pipe systems and dry pipe systems.

- Wet pipe systems are filled with water and installed in areas not

subject to freezing.

- Multipurpose Sprinkler System

- Passive Purge Sprinkler System

- Stand-alone Sprinkler System

2.2.1 Multipurpose Sprinkler Systems

Multipurpose systems are defined in NFPA 13D and IRC P2904 as a

piping system intended to serve both fire sprinklers and domestic

plumbing needs. A multipurpose system integrates the piping

connected to a water supply with sprinklers that automatically

discharge water over a fire area. All piping in a multipurpose system

4

2.2.2 Passive Purge Sprinkler System

system that serves a single toilet in addition to the sprinkler system.

A stand-alone system is defined in NFPA 13D as a type of sprinkler

of the final specification and is not intended as a substitute for sound

2.3 Piping Configurations

are allowed to be used in residential occupancies stating that piping

run, or to be combinations thereof.

- Gridded systems provide the highest level of hydraulic

characteristics for pressure/flow calculations.

- Straight-run system provide the lowest level of hydraulic

A gridded system is a sprinkler system connected by multiple branch

lines. An activated sprinkler will be provided with water from both

sides, while other branch lines help transfer the water.

5

A looped system is a sprinkler system where multiple cross mains are

pertinent building, fire protection and plumbing codes.

and operating pressure requirements and coverage area

specifications.

straight-run system as defined by NFPA 13D.

system performance.

minimize installation/scheduling conflicts. Verify installation of

mounting height).

6

3.1 Application

The FIREPEX residential fire sprinkler system includes RAUPEX white

UV shield (PEXa) pipe, EVERLOC+ polymer and lead-free brass

fittings, PEXa compression sleeves and EVERLOC+ compression-

sleeve tools.

expansion PEXa fitting system available in polymer and lead-free (LF)

RAUPEX white UV shield pipes are certified for use in residential fire

sprinkler systems as defined by NFPA 13D or IRC P2904.

RAUPEX red and blue UV shield are not certified for fire sprinkler

- ASTM F877 Standard Specification for Crosslinked Polyethylene

- NSF/ANSI 14 Plastic Piping System Components and Related

- NSF/ANSI 61 Drinking Water System Components and Related

accordance with the requirements outlined in the REHAU PEXa

www.na.rehau.com/warranties.

7

4.1 Pipe Properties

Crosslinked polyethylene is polyethylene (PE) which has undergone a

change in molecular structure whereby the polymer chains are

chemically linked, crosslinked (X), with each other to form a three-

dimensional network. The result is a flexible thermoset polymer with

There are three methods of manufacturing PEX:

- The radiation method (PEXc), ASTM requires a minimum of 65%

RAUPEX pipe is manufactured using the peroxide method (PEXa),

which yields the highest, most consistent level of crosslinking. PEXa

technology enhances flexibility and thermal memory, providing ease of

handling and kink repair compared to PEXb and PEXc.

PEXa has distinct advantages over other polymer and metal pipes:

- Resists pitting and stress corrosion

- Resists scaling and deposit build-up when used with both hard and

CSA Group and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL).

@80˚C

per ASTM D638

No Break No Break --

-40 to 200˚F -40 to 93˚C --

150 psig @ 210˚F

(48 hr)

1035 kPa @ 99˚C

(48 hr)

ASTM F876

4.2 Pipe Dimensions and Weights

RAUPEX white UV shield pipe for residential fire sprinkler systems is

dance to the dimensional standards defined in ASTM F876 and CSA

diameter being approximately nine times the wall thickness. Since

PEX pipe has a thicker wall than copper tube, the inside diameter (ID)

erosion and corrosion issues of copper tube, systems can be designed

at higher velocities which allow for comparable sizing of a system.

certifications and approvals, and include an incremental footage

8

4.3.1 PEX Designation Code

code in accordance to ASTM F876. The PEX Designation Code is the

The first numeral (3) refers to the chlorine resistance in one of four

categories, when tested in accordance with ASTM Test Method F2023

and evaluated in accordance with ASTM F876. This measurement

indicates the allowable hours of 140°F water recirculation in 1 day.

The second numeral (3) refers to UV resistance in one of four

categories, when tested in accordance with ASTM Test Method F2657

and evaluated in accordance with ASTM F876. The measurement

indicates the allowable time pipe can be exposed to UV without being

4.4 Pressure and Temperature Ratings

The maximum temperature and pressure ratings of RAUPEX pipe are

in accordance to ASTM F876, CSA B137.5 and PPI TR-3. The

designer shall determine the actual conditions and apply the appropri-

According to the REHAU PEXa Limited Warranty, the RAUPEX pipe

warranty period is for operating conditions at or below 180°F (82.2°C)

Maximum Pressures and Temperatures Design Factors

160 psi @ 73.4°F (1055 kPa @ 23°C) 0.50 (per ASTM F876, CSA B137.5)

130 psi @ 120°F (900 kPa @ 49°C) 0.50 (per ASTM F876, CSA B137.5)

100 psi @ 180°F (690 kPa @ 82.2°C) 0.50 (per ASTM F876, CSA B137.5)

4.5 Excessive Temperature and Pressure Capability

in case the system overheats (mandatory in hot water distribution

pressure if either one of these conditions is reached. In the event of a

Failure to follow pressure and temperature limits may damage the pipe

resulting in leaks and operational failures, and will negate any

warranty provided by REHAU for RAUPEX pipes. The designer must

temperature capability of the pipe is not exceeded.

4.6 Corrosion Resistance

RAUPEX pipe is non-reactive and displays excellent corrosion

resistance. Corrosion is a process that requires electrically conductive

corrode like metal pipes. PEXa also resists the buildup of scale which

Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing and Systems to Hot Chlorinated

Water as required in ASTM F876. RAUPEX pipe exceeds the minimum

tions, intermittent hot water applications and timed hot water

applications.

This recommendation applies to RAUPEX white UV shield pipes for

cold water and intermittent hot water applications (25% @ 140°F,

12 hours per day (50% @ 140°F, 50% @ 73°F). The ASTM F876

standard includes designation codes for these applications which are

included on the print line of RAUPEX pipes.

radiation will reduce the lifetime of the pipe. The extent of the

chlorination levels in potable water. Excessive UV exposure will reduce

the lifetime of the PEXa pipe.

9

5.3.7 Chlorine Resistance

rating based on the ratings of RAUPEX pipe, as defined in Section 4.7.

5.3.9 Chemical Compatibility

compression-sleeve system. This applies to external exposure of

chemicals and to the transport of such chemicals by the piping

Chemicals that may damage the compression-sleeve system include

(but are not limited to):

- Adhesives and tapes other than those recommended by REHAU

- Paints, solvents

Many factors, such as exposure time, temperature, pressure and

other operating parameters, can influence the performance of a

chemicals that may come into contact with the polymer material.

16

5.3.10 Copper Soldering

compression-sleeve fittings according to the Copper Development

- The surface of the fitting soldering area must be properly cleaned for

- Care must be taken to not overheat the soldering surface as this can

When soldering an LF brass EVERLOC+ fitting:

- The fitting must be soldered onto the copper first.

- The solder joint must be allowed to cool to ambient room

- Never solder after EVERLOC+ connection has been made.

Before use, read and understand the following safety symbols which

the specified safety instructions.

Read and follow all safety precautions in the instruction

manual. Improper use can lead to serious personal injury

or property damage.

To reduce the risk of serious eye injury, always wear

proper eye protection.

Risk of electric shock. Never operate the power tool in

damp or wet conditions. Never expose to rain or

submerge in water or other liquids. Never operate the

power tool near wires or cables carrying electric current.

NOTICE

installation. Use of other tools will result in an improperly assembled

- 1/2, 3/4 and 1 in. EVERLOC+ expander heads (quick change)

- 1/2, 3/4 and 1 in. EVERLOC+ compression jaws

- DEWA LT 12V/20V Li-ion charger 120VAC (DCB107)

- DEWALT 12V/20V Li-ion Battery Charger Instruction Manual

- Pipe cutter

- Lubricant

- Cleaning brush

- EVERLOC+ Power Tool Product Instruction Manual

5.4.2 EVERLOC+ XL Power Tool 1 1/4 to 2 in.

diameters of 1 1/4 through 2 in. requires the use of the EVERLOC+

Instruction Manual (855.728) for a complete understanding of

- 1 1/4, 1 1/2 and 2 in. EVERLOC+ compression jaws

- MAKITA

18V Li-ion battery (BL1840B) (2 batteries per kit)

- MAKITA 18V Li-ion Battery Charger Instruction Manual

- Pipe cutter

- Lubricant

- Cleaning brush

- Tool case (black latches)

5.4.3 EVERLOC+ XL Expander Tool 1 1/4 to 2 in.

expander tool can be used for the expansion steps of the 1 1/4 to 2 in.

tool allows for greater eciency in some installation situations. Refer

- Tool case (gray latches)

- EVERLOC+ XL Expander Tool Product Instruction Manual

18

Domed concealed pendent sprinklers have a cover plate assem-

operating temperature, the cover plate detaches and falls away.

Continued heating of the now exposed sprinkler causes the

sprinkler’s heat responsive element to disengage releasing the sealing

assembly. This allows water to flow from the sprinkler.

5.5.3 Recessed Pendent Sprinklers

a cover plate. During fire conditions, continued heating

of the exposed sprinkler causes the heat responsive element to

disengage. This allows water to flow from the sprinkler.